FOOTBALL : UCLA FYI

Chow gets a new deal, no guarantees

Chow's two-year contract extension was approved by the University of California Board of Regents late last week. UCLA was notified Monday, but Athletic Director Dan Guerrero, who was traveling with the basketball team, was not informed until Wednesday, a UCLA spokesman said.

The extension, agreed to in July, is believed to be worth about $500,000 a season.

"I'm excited," Coach Rick Neuheisel said. "That has been in the works, but things move slowly. But that is a good thing that it is finally behind him and us."

Neuheisel, though, still would not commit to bringing Chow back next season.

"No, my stance is that I evaluate guys at the end of the season," Neuheisel said.

Even those under contract for two more seasons?

"It doesn't make any difference," Neuheisel said. "It's at the end of the season. Now is not the time to do it."

UCLA would have to pay Chow if he is let go, unless a booster covers the expense of the contract.

A request to talk with Chow after practice Thursday was denied.

Players, meanwhile, were trying to block out questions about who would be the offensive coordinator next season.

"Obviously, having a new coach would be something we would have to get used to," quarterback Richard Brehaut said. "Right now we have Coach Chow and he's calling the plays. I can't worry about 'what if this' and 'what if that.' He's my coach right now, so I'm going to listen to everything he says."

Palcic signs too

Offensive line coach Bob Palcic has already signed a two-year contract extension, according to a source inside the athletic department who was not authorized to speak on the matter. Palcic makes $210,000 this season.

Burfict, a sophomore, is considered one of the top linebackers in the nation. He was also benched for the first quarter against Washington after giving Oregon State quarterback Ryan Katz a head butt. He had 10 tackles against Stanford, but also three major penalties.

"He's a very young, talented player, a hugely talented player," Neuheisel said. "While certainly he has had his share of undisciplined acts, I guess you would say, but I think every coach in the league would like to have him. He's that kind of guy."

Brehaut, who was cleared to play after suffering a concussion against Washington, was equally respectful.

"Obviously, Vontaze is a great player," Brehaut said. "That's something we known, and I know, and you always have to be aware of where he is on the field."

Quick hits

Akeem Ayers was named a finalist for the Butkus Award, given to the nation's top linebacker. ... Linebacker Aramide Olaniyan, who is redshirting this season, was given permission to miss practice Wednesday, so he could fly home to Virginia to be with his family on Thanksgiving.